Saudi Arabia Modifies Foreign Worker Classifications in Nitaqat Program

New Rules for Foreign Nationals

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has updated how some foreign nationals are classified in the Nitaqat program, which helps determine national employment rates.

Foreign Investors Now Counted as Saudis

Foreign investors who own private companies are now counted as Saudi nationals, rather than foreign nationals, in Saudization calculations.

Different Counting for Certain Foreign Nationals

Other foreign nationals, including Palestinians with Egyptian passports, Baluch, and nationals from Myanmar (except in Makkah and Madinah), will now count as one-quarter of a foreign national. This means hiring four people from these groups is now equal to hiring one non-Saudi worker.

Benefits for Companies

These changes are expected to help companies meet Saudization requirements more easily, potentially leading to higher compliance levels and access to immigration incentives through the Qiwa platform.